I remember when I was a new photographer, I wasn’t sure how to gain experience in the wedding photography industry. I was a ametuer photographer with a camera with no college degree. Heck, I didn’t even charge sales tax yet for my $25 sessions. (Yes you read that right! $25 and I thought I was making BANK! haha!). And yet, here I am with 5 years of experience in the wedding photography industry. So how did I get here? I’m sharing a few tips with you today!:
Shadow Photographers
This was a HUGE bonus to helping me get started with my career! You’re going to be so thankful if allow yourself to get a little ground under your feet before running full speed on your own. I second shot maybe 10-15 weddings under another photographer before shooting my first solo wedding. YES.. Solo!! No second shooter, no extra help.. nothing!! BUT I was able to do that because of shadowing!
If I would’ve booked a wedding with NO prior “experience” I was ultimately setting up myself for failure from the start! And not to mention, probably a horrible experience for the bride and groom! Also, you’re giving yourself an opportunity to decide if weddings are the right fit for you. Truthfully, I don’t believe weddings are for everyone and that’s okay!! Quick tip: Follow a photographer that allows you to use your images to help build up your portfolio… It’s a Win-Win!
Educate Yourself
Truth be told, you will never know everything about photography or weddings. You’ll learn to improve in different areas of your shooting, running your business, marketing, equipment, etc. as time goes on. The BEST way to stay on top is to keep learning and growing! Here’s some ways that I stay educated:
- Attending photography workshops (this has been one of the most fun and rewarding options! Keep in mind you probably won’t be able to attend every workshop out there, but pick the ones that could learn the most from with the stage your in!)
- Youtube/Google any questions you might have
- Read other photographer blogs that are established and experienced
- Subscribe to photographer newsletters that send valuable info right into your inbox!
- Join local meet-ups with other photographers
Get Acquainted with Social Media
You might be thinking, isn’t this a No-Brainer?? It is! But sometimes it’s refreshing to hear things again. Social media is one of the largest ways to connect with your audience and showcase your portfolio. Isn’t it amazing/scary how your work can be displayed for anyone around the WORLD to see??
One of the quickest ways to get your “foot in the door” is to start a Facebook Business page, with your name, logo and other info about your business. It allows your clients to see your work while it’s “enough” to help get your name out there for starters. Next, you’ll want to get your domain name and create a Website/Blog to help show that you’re becoming more official! Learn how to use Social Media apps effectively to help grow your business!
Network with other Entrepreneurs
I can’t tell you how much I love my Industry peers that just get it. They understand the stress and loneliness that can come with running a business. They understand the anxiety of a wedding day when you’re behind schedule with the timeline. Find your friends (real friends) that are your cheerleaders in life. They want to get to know you, meet you for coffee, they’ll text you when they miss you and are thinking about you. You’ll find who you click with and become your new BFF.
Beyond just connecting with other photographers, get to know other creative entrepreneurs that are in your area too! Most likely they’ll be able to recommend you to a friend who is in search of a wedding photographer (or whatever your specialty is). It’s super helpful because they know you personally, which is free advertisement for you AND word of mouth is the best advertising there is!!
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